Method of disinfecting and providing residual kill at a surface

ABSTRACT

The present invention is drawn to disinfectant systems and methods which can be used to produce a disinfectant solution. The system can include a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition. The first liquid composition comprises from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight of a transition metal or alloy and an alcohol, and the second liquid composition comprises water and a peroxygen compound. The first and second liquid compositions are formulated to be combined so as to yield a resultant disinfectant solution. The disinfectant solution can be used to disinfect a variety of surfaces and even liquid compositions.

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/514,721, filed Mar. 15, 2007, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/361,836;11/361,841; 11/361,837; and 11/361,665, each of which was filed on Feb.24, 2006, each of which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/656,723, filed on Feb. 25, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to disinfectant systems and methods whichare suitable for consumer use in disinfecting a variety of surfaces andsolutions. The system is convenient, easy and safe to use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disinfectants, such as hard surface disinfectants, are widely used inboth domestic and professional settings. Exemplary of a commonly usedhard surface cleaner is Lysol®disinfectant. Though Lysol® is effectivefor many applications; Lysol® is not as effective at reducing levels ofbacterial endospores as commercially available glutaraldehyde aqueoussolutions. Glutaraldehyde aqueous solutions are widely used asdisinfectants, and are commonly available in 1 wt % and 2 wt %solutions, particularly in medical and dental settings. Glutaraldehydesolutions are typically used for more delicate medical/dentalinstruments that would otherwise be susceptible to damage by othersterilization methods, e.g., autoclaving. However, glutaraldehyde isalso a powerful irritant and respiratory sensitizer. In fact, there havebeen reports of sensitization of individuals due to the fumes, whichhave lead to respiratory problems, headaches, lethargy, discoloring ofthe skin, etc. Because of these issues related to glutaraldehyde fumes,air quality must often be monitored, or appropriate air ventilation mustbe present. As a result, though glutaraldehyde solutions are relativelyeffective disinfectants, it would be desirable to provide compositionsthat can exhibit even more effective bacteria kill levels, and at thesame time be safer for the individuals using the disinfectant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be desirable to provide a systemfor convenient and easy preparation of a disinfectant solution. Inaccordance with this, a two-part disinfectant system and method isprovided. The two-part disinfectant system includes a first liquidcomposition and a second liquid composition. The first liquidcomposition can comprise from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight of atransition metal or alloy and an alcohol, and the second liquidcomposition can comprise water and a peroxygen compound. The first andsecond liquid compositions can be formulated to be combined so as toyield a resultant disinfectant solution.

In another embodiment, a method of disinfecting a surface can compriseadmixing a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition toform a resultant disinfectant composition. The first liquid compositioncan comprise from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight of a transitionmetal or alloy and an alcohol, the second liquid composition cancomprise water and a peroxygen compound. The method further comprisescontacting the resultant disinfectant with a surface, therebydisinfecting the surface. The contacting can occur after the resultantdisinfectant is formed, or can form after both parts are contacted withthe surface.

In another embodiment, a method of disinfecting and providing residualkill at a surface can comprise contacting the surface with adisinfectant solution which includes from 0.0005 ppm to 50,000 ppm byweight of a transition metal or alloy, an alcohol, a peroxygen compound,and water. Then, after drying, residual components of the disinfectantsolution are allowed to remain on the surface causing residual kill tobacterial, viral, or fungal organisms that subsequently contact thesurface.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description that follows, which illustrates, by way ofexample, features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and specificlanguage will be used herein to describe the same. It will neverthelessbe understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention isthereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeatures illustrated herein, and additional applications of theprinciples of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur toone skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. Itis also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only. The terms are notintended to be limiting unless specified as such.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “food grade” when used with respect to a composition of thepresent invention refers to a composition that is substantially freefrom ingredients which would be considered harmful or toxic to a mammalupon consumption above levels that are generally recognized as safe.

Generally, though sanitizers, sterilants, and disinfectants are used forthe same purpose, i.e. to kill bacteria and/or viruses, etc., asterilant composition exhibits a greater kill level compared to adisinfectant, which in turn has a better kill level than a sanitizer.This being stated, most applications require only sanitizer ordisinfectant levels bacteria/virus reduction, though other applicationsbenefit considerably from the use of sterilants. For convenience, in thepresent disclosure, the term “disinfectant” is used generally andincludes sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilants unless the contextdictates otherwise.

The term “solution” is also used throughout the specification todescribe the disinfectant compositions of the present invention.However, as these “solutions” can include colloidal transition metals,these compositions can also be described as dispersions or suspensions.As the continuous phase is typically a solution, and the transitionmetal can be present in ionic and/or colloidal form, for convenience,these compositions will typically be referred to as “solutions” herein.Further, sometimes a disinfectant solution is referred to as a“resultant” disinfectant solution. This is to provide clarity that thedisinfectant solution is a product of the mixing of the two-part systemsdescribed herein. This being stated, the terms “disinfectant solution”and “resultant disinfectant solution” can be used interchangeablyherein.

The term “substantially free” when used with regard to the disinfectantcompositions of the present invention refers to the total absence of ornear total absence of a specific compound or composition. For example,when a composition is said to be substantially free of aldehydes, thereare either no aldehydes in the composition or only trace amounts ofaldehydes in the composition.

The term “peroxygen” refers to any compound containing a dioxygen (O—O)bond. Dioxygen bonds, particularly bivalent O—O bonds, are readilycleavable, thereby allowing compounds containing them to act as powerfuloxidizers. Non-limiting examples of classes of peroxygen compoundsinclude peracids, peracid salts, and peroxides such as hydrogenperoxide.

When referring to the term “alloy,” it is understood that individualcolloidal or metallic particles can be in the form of composites ofmultiple metals, or alloys can also include co-dispersions of multiplemetals as separate particles.

The term “alcosol” is a term of art which refers to a solution of analcohol and a colloidal metal (e.g. colloidal silver). Some alcosols mayinclude some amount of water in addition to the alcohol and colloidalmetal. Similarly, the term “hydrosol” is a term of art which refers to asolution of water and colloidal metal (e.g. colloidal silver).

The term “two-part” when referring to the systems of the presentinvention is not limited to systems having only two parts. For example,the system can be a concentrate, and thus, is actually a three partsystem, e.g., a first part including transition metal and alcohol, asecond part including a peroxygen and water, and a third part of adiluting solvent for diluting the first part, the second part, and/orthe resultant disinfectant solution). Non-limiting examples of dilutingsolvents include water, alcohols, or combinations thereof. When thediluting solvent is an alcohol, it can, but need not be the same alcoholor mixture of alcohols which are present in the first “part” of thesystem. Thus, “two-part’ is specifically defined herein to mean, atleast two parts, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may bepresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that suchrange format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should beinterpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitlyrecited as the limits of the range, but also to include all theindividual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that rangeas if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. Forexample, a weight ratio range of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % should beinterpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 wt %and about 20 wt %, but also to include individual weights such as 2 wt%, 11 wt %, 14 wt %, and sub-ranges such as 10 wt % to 20 wt %, 5 wt %to 15 wt %, etc.

In accordance with this, two-part disinfectant system can comprise afirst liquid composition and a second liquid composition. The firstliquid composition can comprise from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weightof a transition metal or alloy and an alcohol, and the second liquidcomposition can comprise water and a peroxygen compound. The first andsecond liquid compositions can be formulated to be combined so as toyield a resultant disinfectant solution.

In another embodiment, a method of disinfecting a surface can compriseadmixing a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition toform a resultant disinfectant composition. The first liquid compositioncan comprise from 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight of a transitionmetal or alloy and an alcohol, the second liquid composition cancomprise water and a peroxygen compound. The method further comprisescontacting the resultant disinfectant with a surface, therebydisinfecting the surface. The contacting can occur after the resultantdisinfectant is formed, or can form after both parts are contacted withthe surface.

In these embodiments, it is notable that the concentrations of eachingredient can be described in the context of concentration in the firstor second liquid composition, or the resultant disinfectant solution.The concentration of a compound in the first or second liquidcomposition will usually be lower in the resultant disinfectant solutionthan in the first or second liquid composition, as the amount typicallygets diluted by the other part of the system. This being stated, this isnot always the case, depending on the ingredients in the other portionof the two-part system.

In embodiments of the present invention, the alcohol can be present inthe first liquid composition at from about 0.005 wt % to 99.99 wt %,with the upper end of the range being modifiable to 80 wt % or 50 wt %,and the lower end of the range being modifiable to 0.05 wt % or 0.1 wt%. This being stated, it is also noted that in certain embodiments, thealcohol can be present in the resultant disinfectant solution at from0.001 wt % to 95 wt %, with the lower end of the range being modifiableto 0.05 wt % or 0.1 wt %, and the upper end of the range beingmodifiable to 40 wt %, 30 wt %, 20 wt % or 10 wt % in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Any combination of these upper andlower limits is included herein.

Regarding the transition metal or alloy present in the first liquidcomposition, the range of 0.0005 ppm to 100,000 ppm by weight can bemodified at the upper end of the range to 20,000 ppm or 5,000 ppm,and/or can be modified at the lower end of the range to 0.001 ppm, 0.01ppm, or 1 ppm. The resultant disinfectant solution, on the other hand,can include from 0.001 ppm to 50,000 ppm by weight of the transitionmetal or alloy thereof. This range can be modified at the upper end ofthe range to 10,000 ppm, 5,000 ppm, or 1,500 ppm, and at the lower endof the range from 0.1, 1, or 15, for example. Any combination of theseupper and lower limits is included herein.

Regarding the second liquid composition, water and the peroxygencompound can be present at various ratios. For example, the peroxygencan be present in the second liquid composition at from 0.001 wt % to 80wt %, with the upper end of the range being modifiable to 30 wt % or 15wt %, and the lower end of the range being modifiable to 0.01 wt % or0.05 wt %. Regarding the resultant disinfectant solution, the peroxygencontent can be, for example, from 0.01 wt % to 20 wt %, with the upperend of the range being modifiable to 10 wt %, 5 wt %, or 2 wt %, and thelower end of the range being modifiable to 0.01 wt %, 0.2 wt %, or 0.3wt %. Again, any combination of these upper and lower limits is includedherein.

As these ranges are merely exemplary, one skilled in the art couldmodify these ranges for a particular application, considering suchthings as the type of alcohol (polyhydric, food grade, mixtures, etc.);the type of peroxygen (peroxide, peracid, combination ofperoxide/peracid, etc.); and the type of metal (ionic, colloidal, alloy,etc.).

The systems and methods can be formulated and packaged in any mannerknown to those skilled in the art so long as it allows the two liquidcompositions of the system to remain separate until shortly before thedesired use of the disinfectant solution. In one embodiment, the twoliquid compositions of the system can be contained in separatecontainers such as bottles, jars, bags, dispensers, etc. In one aspectof the invention, the system can be configured and the liquidcompositions formulated so that the disinfectant solution can be madefrom the two liquid compositions alone. In another aspect of theinvention, the two liquid compositions of the system can be formulatedto provide a concentrate of the disinfectant solution which can bediluted to a desired disinfectant potency level with water or otherdiluting solvent(s).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the two liquidcompositions of the system can be placed in separate compartments of asingle container. For example, the system can comprise a two compartmentcontainer, each compartment having a separate extraction tube forextracting the liquid compositions in the compartments. In one aspect,the container can include a spray nozzle connected to the two extractiontubes. The two liquid compositions can be drawn up the extraction tubesto a mixing chamber within the spray nozzle and then discharged from thenozzle and onto the surface being disinfected. In this embodiment, thedisinfectant solution is effectively made in small batches within themixing chamber and discharged for use shortly after combination of thetwo liquid compositions.

The system is convenient, easy to use and package, and has a prolongedshelf life. Typically, disinfectant compositions containing peroxygencompounds degrade fairly quickly when combined with other agents,therefore rendering their shelf life undesirably short. The presentinvention provides a system which maintains the peroxygen compoundseparate from the rest of the disinfectant solution until shortly beforeits use. Such a configuration of the system allows for the disinfectantsolution to effectively have a prolonged shelf life. This isparticularly helpful where the liquids of the system are intended to besold in retail and wholesale businesses, as storage, transportation, andend point shelf times can be substantial.

In one embodiment, the disinfectant solution, and hence the two liquidcompositions of the two-part system, can include only ingredients thatare food-grade or food safe. For example, though not required, thecomposition can be substantially free of disinfectant ingredientscommonly present in many commercially available surface cleaners.Examples of non-food-grade ingredients which can be omitted from thedisinfectant solution include, but are not limited to, aldehydes such asglutaraldehyde; chlorine-based disinfectants; chlorine and bromine-baseddisinfectants; iodophore-based disinfectants; phenolic-baseddisinfectants, quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants; and the like.

The liquid compositions of the present invention can also include otheringredients, such as organic co-solvents, surfactants, excipients,fillers, colorant, other active ingredients, ingredients that may bepresent in the other part, etc. In one embodiment, the first liquidcomposition can include water in addition to the alcohol.

Examples of alcohols which can be used in the first liquid compositioninclude but are limited to aliphatic alcohols and othercarbon-containing alcohols, having from 1 to 24 carbons (C₁-C₂₄alcohol). It is to be noted that “C₁-C₂₄ alcohol” does not necessarilyimply only straight chain saturated aliphatic alcohols, as othercarbon-containing alcohols can also be used within this definition,including branched aliphatic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, aromaticalcohols, unsaturated alcohols, as well as substituted aliphatic,alicyclic, aromatic, and unsaturated alcohols, etc. In one embodiment,the aliphatic alcohols can be C₁ to C₅ alcohols including methanol,ethanol, propanol and isopropanol, butanols, and pentanols, due to theiravailability and lower boiling points. This being stated, polyhydricalcohols can also be used effectively in enhancing the disinfectant andsterilant potency of the disinfectant solution of the present invention,as well as provide some degree of added stabilization. Examples ofpolyhydric alcohols which can be used in the present invention includebut are not limited to ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) glycerin (orglycerol, propane-1,2,3-triol), and propane-1,2-diol. Othernon-aliphatic alcohols may also be used including but not limited tophenols and substituted phenols, erucyl alcohol, ricinolyl alcohol,arachidyl alcohol, capryl alcohol, capric alcohol, behenyl alcohol,lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol), myristyl alcohol (1-tetradecanol), cetyl(or palmityl) alcohol (1-hexadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol),isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol (cis-9-octadecen-1-ol), palmitoleylalcohol, linoleyl alcohol (9Z,12Z-octadecadien-1-ol), elaidyl alcohol(9E-octadecen-1-ol), elaidolinoleyl alcohol (9E,12E-octadecadien-1-ol),linolenyl alcohol (9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrien-1-ol), elaidolinolenylalcohol (9E,12E,15-E-octadecatrien-1-ol), combinations thereof, and thelike.

In some embodiments, for practical considerations, methanol, ethanol,and denatured alcohols (mixtures of ethanol and smaller amounts ofmethanol, and optionally, minute amounts of benzene, ketones, acetates,etc.) can often be preferred for use because of their availability andcost. Glycerol can also be preferred in some embodiments. If the desireis to provide a food grade composition, then alcohols can be selectedthat satisfy this requirement. When considering the amount of alcohol touse, one skilled in the art can stay within the above-described ranges,or modify these ranges for a particular application, considering suchthings as whether alcohol selected for use is polyhydric, whether thealcohol is food grade, mixtures of alcohols, etc.

Regarding the transition metal present in the first liquid composition,and ultimately in the disinfectant solution, the metal can be in ionicform (e.g. disassociate metal salt, metal ions from elemental metal,etc.) and/or in colloidal form. In one specific embodiment, thetransition metal can be in a sub-micron form (i.e. dispersion of lessthan 1 μm metal colloidal particles). However, larger colloidaltransition metal particles can also be used in certain applications.Typical transition metals that are desirable for use include Group VI toGroup XI transition metals, and more preferably, can include Group X toGroup XI transition metals. Alloys including at least one metal from theGroup VI to Group XI metals can also be used. As shown below in theexamples, some alloys can enhance or increase the disinfectant potencyof the present invention. It is recognized that any of these metals willtypically be oxidized to the corresponding cation in the presence of aperoxygen. However, with colloidal metals, typically, the surface isusually more susceptible to such oxidation. Further, when colloidalmetals are dispersed in a colloidal solution, there is often an amountof the metal in ionic or salt form that is also present in thesuspension solution. For example, colloidal silver may include a certainpercentage of silver salt or ionic silver in solution, e.g., 10% to 90%by weight of metal content can be ionic based on the total metalcontent. This being stated, certain preferred metals for use inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention are ruthenium,rhodium, osmium, iridium, palladium, platinum, copper, gold, silver,manganese, zinc, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. Silver is oftenthe most preferred, but metal choice can be dependent to some degree onthe application, the levels of kill desired or required, the type ofpathogen being targeted, the substrate that is being cleaned, etc.

It is also noted that any of these embodiments can often also benefitfrom the use of alloys. For Example, certain combinations of metals inan alloy may provide an acceptable kill level for a specific pathogen,and also provide benefits that are related more to secondaryconsideration, such as solution stability, substrate to be cleaned, etc.Preferred examples of transition metal alloys for use in the presentinvention include but are not limited to copper-silver alloys,silver-manganese alloys, iron-copper alloys, chromium-silver alloys,gold-silver alloys, magnesium-silver alloys, and the like.

Exemplary colloidal silvers that can be used in the first liquidcomposition include those sold by Solutions IE, Inc. under the tradenames CS Plus and CS Ultra. Other colloidal silver products that can beused as the silver source include ASAP, Sovereign Silver, Silver Max,and the like. In one embodiment, the colloidal particles used in thepresent invention can have a particle size range of from 0.001 μm to 1.0μm. In another embodiment the colloidal transition metal particles canhave a size range of from 0.030 μm to 0.5 μm. In still anotherembodiment the average particle size is 0.35 μm to 0.45 μm. If used inionic form, preferred silver salts include but are not limited to silvernitrate, silver acetate, silver citrate, silver oxide, and/or silvercarbonate. Though many colloidal silver solutions or ionic silversolutions that are functional for use in the formulations of the presentinvention can be used, in one embodiment, it can be desirable to use ROwater as the suspension medium for the colloidal and/or ionic silverthat is mixed with the other ingredients. In a more detailed aspect, theRO water can also be distilled, resulting in 18-20 MΩ water, though thisis not required.

The peroxygen component of the second liquid composition, and ultimatelythe disinfectant solution, can be a single compound or a combination ofmultiple peroxygen compounds or peroxygen forming compounds. In oneembodiment, the peroxygen can be any aliphatic or aromatic peracid (orperoxyacid) that is functional for disinfectant purposes in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. While any functionalperoxyacid can be used, peroxyacids containing from 1 to 7 carbons arethe most practical for use. These peroxyacids can include, but not belimited to, peroxyformic acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid,peroxypropanoic acid, perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid,peroxypentanoic acid, peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid,peroxycitric, and/or peroxybenzoic acid. The peroxyacid used in thepresent invention can be prepared using any method known in the art.When the peroxyacid is prepared from an acid and hydrogen peroxide, theresultant mixture contains both the peroxyacid and the correspondingacid that it is prepared from. For example, in embodiments that utilizeperoxyacetic acid, the presence of the related acid (acetic acid)provides stability to the mixture, as the reaction is an equilibriumbetween the acid, hydrogen peroxide, and the peroxyacid and water, asfollows:

H₂O₂+CH₃COOH

CH₃COO—OH+H₂O

Peracid salts, such as salts of the above listed peracids, can also beincluded as the peroxygen component of the disinfectant solutions.Non-limiting examples of such salts include permanganates, perborates,perchlorates, peracetates, percarbonates, persulphates, and the like.The salts can be used alone or in combination with each other or otherperoxygen compounds to form the peroxygen component of the invention.

In another embodiment, the peroxygen component of the invention caninclude a peroxide compound. While hydrogen peroxide is considered to bea desirable peroxide for use in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention, other peroxides can also be used, such as metalperoxides and peroxyhydrates. The metal peroxides that can be usedinclude, but are not limited to, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide,calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and/or strontium peroxide. Othersalts (for example sodium percarbonate) have hydrogen peroxideassociated therewith much like waters of hydration, and these could alsobe considered to be a source of hydrogen peroxide, thereby producinghydrogen peroxide in situ. As mentioned above, the peroxides can be usedalone or in combination with other peroxygen compounds to form theperoxygen component of the present invention. In one embodiment theperoxygen is a peracid and a peroxide.

Once the disinfectant solution of the present invention is formed usingthe system, it can be used to disinfect any number of objects using anynumber of contacting methods. For example, the disinfectant solution canbe used as a liquid dispersion bath for objects such as instruments oras a spray for applying to less mobile objects. The disinfectantsolution can also be used as a topical dressing or a mouthwash. In otherwords, any application method known by those skilled in the art can beutilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Otherpossible applications or methods of use for the disinfectant solutioninclude without limitation use as a wipe where the liquid dispersion isapplied to a fabric or fabric-like material for easy application withoutthe need for spray or other application methods, use as a topicaldressing, use as a mouthwash, etc. In other words, any applicationmethod known by those skilled in the art can be utilized in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, though the disinfectant solution of the present inventionis described generally as a disinfectant, it is recognized that thereare many possible applications including its use as a sterilant orsanitizer. For example, without limitation, the disinfectant solution ofthe present invention can be used to kill bacteria, spores, viruses,parasites, funguses, and molds. As described, this composition can beused against all of these types of organisms with relative to completesafety to humans and other mammals.

Another feature of the disinfectant solutions of the present inventionis that they have residual kill properties. Residual kill propertiesrefer to the ability of the disinfectant solution to prevent the growthof or kill newly introduced organisms. For example, when a disinfectantsolution made by the system of the present invention is applied to asurface, they act to kill existing bacteria, viruses, and/or funguses.The residual kill characteristic of the disinfectant solutions allow thesolutions to continue to kill any newly introduced pathogens which maycontact the surface, even after the evaporation of the solvents in thedisinfectant solutions. The disinfectant solutions of the presentinvention are capable of providing residual kill characteristics to acontacted surface for long periods of time so long as the disinfectantsolutions are not mechanically removed (e.g. washing, scraping, etc). Insome embodiments, the residual kill can last for 15 days or more. Insome instances when colloidal metal is present, the colloidal metal canremain on the surface indefinitely, providing antibacterial and/oranti-viral benefits for long periods of time. Alternatively, if it isdesired to maintain residual kill characteristics on a surface for aperiod of time longer than 15 days, additional applications of thedisinfectant solution can be made. In this way the disinfectant solutioncan also be used a prophylactic against pathogens. It is noteworthy thatthe residual kill property of the disinfectant solution is presentregardless of the mode of preparation of the solution. In other words, adisinfectant solution prepared using the two-part disinfectant system ofthe present invention and one prepared using direct admixing of each ofthe same individual ingredients both have the residual kill property.Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that themetal content contributes to this residual kill, as the metal contentcan remain on the surface in elemental form, without degrading orevaporating.

Because the disinfectant solution can be formulated to be very safe,e.g., often including only food grade components, these compositions canbe used in areas which extend well beyond their use as surfacedisinfectants. Such product categories include both topically andinternally applied products for both humans and animals. For example,the disinfectant solution can be used for antiseptics, burn treatments,diaper rash products, and various skin care products. Alternatively, thedisinfectant solutions can be used inside the mouth, such as formouthwashes, toothpastes, and various other disinfecting solutions thatare be employed in dental mold materials. As dental molds are known tospread significant disease in the dental industry, such use with dentalmolds can prevent or reduce the spread of pathogens from a patient'smouth to lab employees working with the finished molds. Still a furthercategory of use includes application for antibiotic and antiviralpurposes. The disinfectant solution can be formulated into lozenges orgums for application to the mouth and throat, and can even beadministered orally, intramuscularly, intravenously, etc. Because of thekill levels that can be achieved, even when formulated with only foodgrade components, a wide range of pathogens, as well as some viruses,can be killed internally. Without being bound by any particularpossibility, these compositions can be useful in killing various virusessuch as HIV, SARS, West Nile, Bird Flu, and others.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the embodiments of the invention thatare presently best known. However, it is to be understood that thefollowing are only exemplary or illustrative of the application of theprinciples of the present invention. Numerous modifications andalternative compositions, methods, and systems may be devised by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The appended claims are intended to cover suchmodifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention hasbeen described above with particularity, the following examples providefurther detail in connection with what are presently deemed to be themost practical and preferred embodiments of the invention.

Example 1 Preparation of a Disinfectant Solution Using a Two-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The first liquid compositionof the system includes a solution of 20 parts by weight glycerol, 29.97parts water and 0.03 parts colloidal silver (600 ppm). The second liquidcomposition includes, by weight, 1.3 parts peracetic acid and 48.7 partswater. The two components are kept separate until immediately before thedisinfectant is desired for use. The disinfectant solution is made bymixing the two components at about a 1:1 (first:second) weight ratio toyield a composition having about 1.3 wt % peracetic acid and about 300ppm silver. In this embodiment, less than 3 wt % of hydrogen peroxidecan be added to further stabilize the system. This disinfectant solutioncan be used effectively to disinfect and sterilize a variety ofsurfaces.

Example 2 Preparation of a Disinfectant Solution Using a Two-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The first liquid compositionof the system includes a solution of about 10 parts by weight glyceroland about 81 parts by weight of a silver hydrosol (300 ppm colloidalsilver). The second liquid composition of the system is includes anaqueous solution of 15 wt % peracetic acid in water. The two componentsare kept separate until immediately before the disinfectant is desiredfor use. The two components are combined at a weight ratio of 91:9(first:second), yielding a solution having about 1.3 wt % peraceticacid. This disinfectant solution can be used effectively to disinfectand sterilize a variety of surfaces. It is noted that there will be lessthan 300 ppm by weight of the colloidal silver when based on theresultant disinfectant composition as a whole. This disinfectantsolution can be used effectively to disinfect and sterilize a variety ofsurfaces.

Example 3 Preparation of a Disinfectant Solution Using a Two-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The liquid composition ofthe system includes a solution of about 10 parts by weight glycerol andabout 87 parts by weight of a silver hydrosol (800 ppm colloidalsilver). The second liquid composition of the system is an aqueoussolution of 15 wt % peracetic acid. The two components are kept separateuntil immediately before the disinfectant is desired for use. Thedisinfectant solution is made by mixing the two components at about a97:3 (first:second) weight ratio to yield a composition having about 0.4wt % peracetic acid. It is noted that there will be less than 300 ppm byweight of the colloidal silver when based on the resultant disinfectantcomposition as a whole. This disinfectant solution can be usedeffectively to disinfect and sterilize a variety of surfaces.

Example 4 Preparation of a Concentrated Disinfectant Solution Using aTwo-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The first liquid compositionof the system is a solution of a silver alcosol (alcohol/3800 ppmsilver). The second liquid composition of the system is an aqueoussolution of 15 wt % peracetic acid. The two components are kept separateuntil immediately before the disinfectant is desired for use, and areadmixed at a 17:13 (first:second) weight ratio. This resultantdisinfectant solution can be further diluted using water. For example,0.6 liters of the resultant disinfectant solution can be mixed with 2.4liters of water to yield 3 liters of the disinfectant solution having1.3 wt % PAA. This disinfectant solution can be used effectively todisinfect and sterilize a variety of surfaces.

Example 5 Preparation of a Disinfectant Solution Using a Two-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The first liquid compositionincludes, by weight, 9 parts ethanol, 40.9 parts water, and 0.1 partsilver (2,000 ppm). The second liquid composition includes, by weight,1.3 parts peroxypropanoic acid and 48.7 parts water. The two componentsare kept separate until immediately before the disinfectant is desiredfor use. The disinfectant solution is made by mixing the two componentsat about a 1:1 (first:second) weight ratio to yield a composition havingabout 1.3 wt % peroxypropanoic acid and about 1,000 ppm silver. In thisembodiment, less than 3 wt % of hydrogen peroxide can be added tofurther stabilize the system. This disinfectant solution can be usedeffectively to disinfect and sterilize a variety of surfaces.

Example 6 Preparation of a Disinfectant Solution Using a Two-Part System

A two-part disinfectant system is provided. The first liquid compositionincludes, by weight, 20 parts denatured alcohol, 29.45 parts water, and0.05 parts silver and copper alloy (1,000 ppm). The second liquidcomposition is includes, by weight, 3 parts percitric acid and 47 partswater. The two components are kept separate until immediately before thedisinfectant is desired for use. The disinfectant solution is made bymixing the two components at about a 1:1 (first:second) weight ratio toyield a composition having about 3 wt % percitric acid and about 500 ppmsilver. In this embodiment, less than 3 wt % of hydrogen peroxide can beadded to further stabilize the system. This disinfectant solution can beused effectively to disinfect and sterilize a variety of surfaces.

Example 7 Kill-Time Studies of Mycobacterium bovis Using a ResultantDisinfectant Solution

A study was conducted to determine tuberculocidal activity when usingresultant disinfectant solution which can be prepared in accordance withExample 1. The test was conducted on a hard surface using the CRAEnvironmental Wipe Method. This method is fully described in:Christensen, R. P., R. A. Robison, D. F. Robinson, B. J. Ploeger, R. W.Leavitt, and H. L. bodily, Antimicrobial Activity of EnvironmentalSurface Disinfectants in the Absence and Presence of Bioburden. Journalof the American Dental Association, 119:493-505. 1989.

Specifically, a test suspension containing Mycobacterium bovis (ATCC #35743) was prepared from a frozen suspension of a standardized culturegrown in modified Proskauer-Beck medium. The suspension was thawed andmixed with an equal volume of phosphate-buffered gelatin solution in aTeflon-on-glass tissue grinder on ice. The suspension was homogenizedfor two minutes, then diluted 1:4 in physiological saline solution (PSS)containing 0.1% Tween 80. The suspension was vortexed and held on iceuntil used in inoculate the test surface. A neutralizer mixtureconsisted of 50 ml flasks of Tryptic soy broth containing 1.0% Tween 80,1.0% lecithin, and 50 μl of concentrated catalase solution (Sigma, C100,42,300 units/mg).

The CRA environmental Wipe Method which was used is detailed below. An8×12 inch piece of laminated plastic counter covering was secured topolypropylene dental trays (size B, Zirc Dental) with silicone adhesive.Lids and trays were sterilized by a hydrogen peroxide gas plasmasterilizer. Two ml of test organism suspension was applied to thesurface with a sterile 2×2-in cotton-filled gauze sponge. The surfacewas allowed to dry 20-30 minutes in a biosafety cabinet under laminarflow. Then 3.5 ml of disinfectant (or water) was applied to a sterilegauze sponge, which was used to wipe the inoculated test surface for 10seconds using about 150-g pressure with overlapping strokes (20 left toright, followed by 20 top to bottom). After 3 minutes, the trays wereflooded with 50 ml of neutralizer and scrubbed for 1 minute with asterile polypropylene brush to remove and suspend organisms. The fluidwas collected and serially diluted 1:10 in physiological saline solution(PSS). The number of viable organisms in selected dilution tubes wasassayed by membrane filtration. One ml aliquots were plated induplicate. The membranes were washed with about 100 ml of sterile PSSand removed to Mycobacteria 7H11 agar plates. The plates were incubatedat 37° C. for about three weeks. The number of colonies on each wascounted and log reduction and percent kill values were computed.

As a control, a titer of the test suspension was computed by performingmembrane filtration assays of selected 1:10 dilutions of the testsuspension in PSS. A neutralizer control was performed by inoculating amixture of 9 ml of neutralizer and 1 ml of disinfectant with 100 μl ofthe 1:10³ dilution of the titer containing 1750 CFU. This produced 175CFU/ml in the tube, which was allowed to stand for 20 minutes prior todilution and assay of the tubes by membrane filtration using duplicate 1ml samples.

The results are provided as follows:

TABLE 1a Mycobacterium bovis Titer Dilution 1:1 × 10³ 1:1 × 10⁴ 1:1 ×10⁵ Number of TNC* TNC 175 Colonies TNC  TNC 174 TNC*—Too Numerous toCount

TABLE 1b Disinfectant solution of Example 1 Dilution of M.bovis/disinfectant suspension Dilution Undiluted 1:1 × 10¹ 1:1 × 10² 1:1× 10³ 3 minutes 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

TABLE 1c Neutralization control Undiluted 75 66

TABLE 1d Sterility controls Material Counts Phosphate buffered gelatin 0Neutralizer + catalas 0 Example 1 Disinfectant 0 Mycobacteria 7H11 Agar0 Physiological sterile saline 0 (PSS) + 0.1% Tween 80 Physiologicalsterile saline 0 (PSS)

Results of the titer showed the initial concentration of M. bovis was1.75×107 CFU per ml in the prepared suspension. Inoculation of the testsurface following drying produced a challenge exhibited by the watercontrol. The initial concentration of viable bacilli on the test surface(So) was 2.63×10⁵. Results from these procedures allowed log reduction(LR) and percent kill (PK) values to be calculated using theformulas: 1) LR=−Log(S/So) where S=concentration of viable organismsafter a period of exposure to the disinfectant; and So=the initialconcentration of viable organisms at time zero. These values are shownbelow in Table 20.

TABLE 20 Results Solution Contact Time Log Reduction (LR) Percent Kill(PK) Example 1 3 minutes 5.02 99.99905

The neutralization control data indicated that each test solution wasadequately neutralized. Observed counts were similar to those expectedfrom the titer data.

Example 8 Kill-Time Studies of Sporicidal Activity a ResultantDisinfectant Solution

A study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial activity of asilver-containing resultant disinfectant solution which can be preparedin accordance with Example 1. The study was conducted on bacterialendospores from the test organism Bacillus subtilis. This wasaccomplished by performing a standard kill-time suspension test using asuspension of B. subtilis endospores. In general, spores are much moredifficult to kill than common bacteria.

The test suspension containing endospores from Bacillus subtilis (ATCC #19659) was prepared from a culture grown for three days at 37° C. inLeighton-Doi medium. The suspension was placed at 65° C. for 30 minutesto kill vegetative organisms, then centrifuged to pellet the spores.Spores were resuspended in sterile HPLC water and allowed to setovernight at 4° C. This washing/setting process was repeated a total ofthree times. The final spore suspension was examined for purity usingphase-contrast microscopy and stored at 4° C. until used.

A neutralizer solution was also prepared that consisted of 9 ml tubes of12.7 wt % Tween 80, 6.0 wt % Tamol, 1.7 wt % lecithin, 1 wt % peptone,and 1.0 wt % cystine, and 500 mM tris (pH 7.85), to which 100 μl ofcatalase solution (Sigma, C100, 42,300 units/mg) was added immediatelybefore use.

The “kill time” procedure was as follows: A 9.9 ml aliquot of thedisinfectant was placed in a 50 ml polypropylene sterile centrifugetube. The tube was equilibrated in a 20° C. water bath. The tube ofdisinfectant was inoculated with 100 μl of the spore suspension at timezero. After a 30 second contact time, one ml of spore/disinfectantsuspension was removed to 9.1 ml of neutralizer. The tubes were mixedthoroughly. After 2 minutes, the neutralized suspension was seriallydiluted 1:10, in physiological saline solution in physiological salinesolution (PSS). The number of viable spores in selected dilution tubeswas assayed by membrane filtration. One (1) ml aliquots were plated induplicate. The membranes were washed with about 100 ml of sterile PSSand removed to Columbia agar plates. The plates were incubated at 37° C.for 20 hours. The number of colonies on each filter was counted and logreduction and percent kill values were computed.

As a control, a titer of the test suspension was computed by performingmembrane filtration assays on selected 1:10 dilutions in PSS of the testsuspension. A neutralizer control was performed by inoculating a mixtureof 9.1 ml of neutralizer and 1 ml of disinfectant with 100 μl of the1:1×10⁶ dilution of the titer. This produced about 130 CFU/ml in thetube, which was allowed to stand for 20 minutes prior to dilution andassay by membrane filtration using duplicate 1 ml samples.

The results are provided as follows:

TABLE 3a Bacillus Subtilis Titer Dilution 1:1 × 10⁷ 1:1 × 10⁸ 1:1 × 10⁹Number of TNC* 106 10 Colonies TNC  115 15 *TNC—Too Numerous to Count

TABLE 3b Disinfectant solution (Example 1) Dilution of B. subtilisspores/disinfectant suspension Dilution 1:1 × 10² 1:1 × 10³ 1:1 × 10⁴ 30Seconds 0 0 0 0 0 0

TABLE 3c Neutralization control Undiluted 135 118

TABLE 3d Sterility Controls Material Counts PSS 0 Neutralizer 0 ColumbiaAgar 0 Example 1 0

Results of the titer showed a viable B. subtilis spore concentration of1.11×10¹⁰ spores per ml in the original suspension. Inoculation of 9.9ml of disinfectant with 100 μl of this suspension produced an initialconcentration of 1.11×10⁸ spores per ml in the assay tube. Results fromthese procedures allowed log reduction (LR) and percent kill (PK) valuesto be calculated using the formulas: 1) LR=−Log(S/So) whereS=concentration of viable organisms after specified contact time, andSo=the initial concentration of viable organisms at time zero; and 2)PK=(1−(S/So))×100. These values are shown below in Table 24.

TABLE 24 Results Solution Contact Time Log Reduction (LR) Percent Kill(PK) Example 1 30 seconds >7.05 >99.999991

Neutralization control data revealed that the neutralizer was able toadequately neutralize this disinfectant. Observed counts wereconsistently higher than those expected. The test disinfectant solutionof Example 1 had rapid and potent sporicidal activity. Specifically, thedisinfectant solution of Example 1 was able to achieve greater than7-log reduction within 30 seconds. As a control, the same culture wastested using the same concentration of peracetic acid with none of theother active ingredients (i.e. without the alcohol or silver content).The composition of Examples 1 exhibited a greater kill level by severalorders of magnitude.

Example 9 Kill-Time Studies of Sporicidal Activity Using 2.4% AlkalineGlutaraldehyde Disinfectant

For comparison purposes, a study was conducted to determine theantimicrobial activity of a 2.4% alkaline glutaraldehyde disinfectant onbacterial endospores from the test organism Bacillus subtilis.Glutaraldehyde disinfectant solution is a common disinfectant used inhospitals to kill bacteria and other pathogens that might otherwise bedifficult to kill. This study was carried out by performing a standardkill-time suspension test using a suspension of B. subtilis endospores.A 15 minute contact time was evaluated.

A test suspension containing endospores from Bacillus subtilis (ATCC #19659) was prepared from a culture grown on Nutrient agar, to whichadditional sporulation enhancements were added. Plates were harvestedwith sterile water and endospores were purified by repeatedcentrifugations and resuspensions in water. The final wash was in 70 wt% ethanol for 30 minutes, to ensure the death of all vegetativebacteria. The spores were resuspended in water containing 0.1 wt % Tween80 to prevent clumping and stored at 4° C. until used.

A neutralizer was prepared that consisted of 1 ml of freshly made,filter-sterilized sodium bisulfite solution at 5.28 wt %.

The “kill time” procedure was as follows: A 9.9 ml aliquot of thedisinfectant was placed in a sterile glass culture tube. The tube wasequilibrated in a 20° C. water bath. The tube of disinfectant, 9 ml of2.4 wt % alkaline glutaraldehyde (Freshly activated CIDEXPLUS, 3.4%, Lot#:2002247TP—diluted to 2.4 wt % with sterile water), was inoculated with100 μl of the test organism suspension at time zero. After 15 min, 1 mlof spore/disinfectant suspension was removed to 9 ml of neutralizer. Thetube was mixed thoroughly. After 2 minutes, the neutralized suspensionwas serially diluted (1:1×10, 1:1×10², 1:1×10³, etc.) in physiologicalsaline solution (PSS). The number of viable spores in selected dilutiontubes was assayed by membrane filtration. One (1) ml aliquots wereplated in duplicate. The membranes were washed with about 100 ml ofsterile PSS and removed to Columbia agar plates. The plates wereincubated at 37° C. for 20 hours. The number of colonies on each filterwas counted and log reduction and percent kill values were computed.

As a control, a titer of the test suspension was computed by performingmembrane filtration assays on selected 1:10 dilutions in PSS of the testsuspension. A neutralizer control was performed by inoculating a mixtureof 1 ml of neutralizer and 1 ml of disinfectant with 100 μl of the1:1×10⁵ dilution of the titer. This produced about 450 CFU/ml in thetube, which was allowed to stand for 20 minutes prior to dilution andassay by membrane filtration using duplicate 1 ml samples.

The results are provided as follows:

TABLE 5a Titer Dilution 1:1 × 10⁶ 1:1 × 10⁷ 1:1 × 10⁸ Number of TNC* 960 Colonies TNC  93 0 *TNC—Too Numerous to Count

TABLE 5b Disinfectant solution (2.4 wt % alkaline glutaraldehydedisinfectant) Dilution of B. subtilis spores/disinfectant suspensionDilution 1:1 × 10¹ 1:1 × 10² 1:1 × 10³ 1:1 × 10⁴ 15 minutes TNC TNC TNC259 TNC TNC TNC 52

TABLE 5c Neutralization control Dilution 1:1 × 10¹ 1:1 × 10² 15 Seconds72 1 70 4

Sterilization controls indicated zero growth for the glutaraldehyde,sodium bisulfite, water, PSS, and Columbia agar. Results of the titershowed a viable B. subtilis spore concentration of 9.45×10⁸ spores perml in the original suspension. Inoculation of 9.9 ml of disinfectantwith 100 μl of this suspension produced an initial concentration of9.45×10⁶ spores per ml in the assay tube. Results from these proceduresallowed log reduction (LR) and percent kill (PK) values to be calculatedusing the formulas: 1) LR=−Log(S/So) where S=concentration of viableorganisms after 1 hour, and So=the initial concentration of viableorganisms at time zero; and 2) PK=(1−(S/So))×100. These values are shownbelow in Table 26.

TABLE 26 Results Solution Contact Time Log Reduction (LR) Percent Kill(PK) Alkaline 15 min 0.48 67.1 glutaraldehyde

Neutralization control data revealed that the neutralizer was able toadequately neutralize this disinfectant. Observed counts were greaterthan those expected. The 2.4 wt % alkaline glutaraldehyde solutiontested had relatively slow sporicidal activity, producing only a 0.48log-reduction in 15 minutes, which is significantly lower than thatproduced by any of the exemplary compositions above prepared inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Example 10 Kill-Time Studies of Mycobacterium bovis Using Lysol® Spray

For comparison purposes, a study was conducted to determinetuberculocidal activity of a Lysol® spray disinfectant (Lysol Spray,spring waterfall scent Lot # B4194-NJ2 1413-A3) on a hard surface usingthe CRA Environmental Wipe Method. This method is fully described in:Christensen, R. P., R. A. Robison, D. F. Robinson, B. J. Ploeger, R. W.Leavitt, and H. L. bodily, Antimicrobial Activity of EnvironmentalSurface Disinfectants in the Absence and Presence of Bioburden. Journalof the American Dental Association, 119:493-505.1989.

Specifically, a test suspension containing Mycobacterium bovis (ATCC #35743) was prepared from a frozen suspension of a standardized culturegrown in modified Proskauer-Beck medium. The suspension was thawed andmixed with an equal volume of phosphate-buffered gelatin solution in aTeflon-on-glass tissue grinder on ice. The suspension was homogenizedfor two minutes, then diluted 1:4 in physiological saline solution (PSS)containing 0.1% Tween 80. The suspension was vortexed and held on iceuntil used in inoculate the test surface. A neutralizer mixtureconsisted of 50 ml flasks of Tryptic soy broth containing 1.0% Tween 80,1.0% lecithin, and 50 μl of concentrated catalase solution (Sigma, C100,42,300 units/mg).

The CRA environmental Wipe Method which was used is detailed below. An8×12 inch piece of laminated plastic counter covering was secured topolypropylene dental trays (size B, Zirc Dental) with silicone adhesive.Lids and trays were sterilized by a hydrogen peroxide gas plasmasterilizer. Two ml of test organism suspension was applied to thesurface with a sterile 2×2-in cotton-filled gauze sponge. The surfacewas allowed to dry 20-30 minutes in a biosafety cabinet under laminarflow. Then 3.5 ml of disinfectant (or water) was applied to a sterilegauze sponge, which was used to wipe the inoculated test surface for 10seconds using about 150-g pressure with overlapping strokes (20 left toright, followed by 20 top to bottom). After 3 minutes, the trays wereflooded with 50 ml of neutralizer and scrubbed for 1 minute with asterile polypropylene brush to remove and suspend organisms. The fluidwas collected and serially diluted 1:10 in physiological saline solution(PSS). The number of viable organisms in selected dilution tubes wasassayed by membrane filtration. One ml aliquots were plated induplicate. The membranes were washed with about 100 ml of sterile PSSand removed to Mycobacteria 7H11 agar plates. The plates were incubatedat 37° C. for about three weeks. The number of colonies on each wascounted and log reduction and percent kill values were computed.

As a control, a titer of the test suspension was computed by performingmembrane filtration assays of selected 1:10 dilutions of the testsuspension in PSS. A neutralizer control was performed by inoculating amixture of 9 ml of neutralizer and 1 ml of disinfectant with 100 μl ofthe 1:10³ dilution of the titer containing 1750 CFU. This produced 175CFU/ml in the tube, which was allowed to stand for 20 minutes prior todilution and assay of the tubes by membrane filtration using duplicate 1ml samples.

The results are provided as follows:

TABLE 7a Titer Dilution 1:1 × 10³ 1:1 × 10⁴ 1:1 × 10⁵ Number of TNC* TNC175 Colonies TNC  TNC 174 *TNC—Too Numerous to Count

TABLE 7b Disinfectant solution (Lysol ® Spray) Dilution of M.bovis/disinfectant suspension Dilution Undiluted 1:1 × 10¹ 3 minutes TNC640 TNC 486

TABLE 7c Neutralization control Undiluted 180 196

TABLE 7d Sterility controls Material Counts Phosphate buffered gelatin 0Neutralizer + catalas 0 Lysol Spray 0 Mycobacteria 7H11 Agar 0Physiological sterile saline 0 (PSS) + 0.1% Tween 80 Physiologicalsterile saline 0 (PSS)

Results of the titer showed the initial concentration of M. bovis was1.75×107 CFU per ml in the prepared suspension. Inoculation of the testsurface following drying produced a challenge exhibited by the watercontrol. The initial concentration of viable bacilli on the test surface(So) was 2.63×10⁵. Results from these procedures allowed log reduction(LR) and percent kill (PK) values to be calculated using theformulas: 1) LR=−Log(S/So) where S=concentration of viable organismsafter a period of exposure to the disinfectant; and So=the initialconcentration of viable organisms at time zero. These values are shownbelow in Table 18.

TABLE 18 Results Solution Contact Time Log Reduction (LR) Percent Kill(PK) Lysol ® Spray 3 minutes 0.97 89.3

The neutralization control data indicated that each test solution wasadequately neutralized. Observed counts were similar to those expectedfrom the titer data.

Example 11 Kill-Rate Enhancement Using Alloys

To demonstrate the effectiveness of certain alloys in enhancing the killrate of B. Subtilis bacteria, a composition comprising 0.5% by weight ofhydrogen peroxide, 8% by weight ethanol, and the balance of watercontaining 300 ppm of a colloidal silver was prepared. A similarcomposition was prepared using identical components except that aqueoussolution contained a silver alloy admixture with manganese(approximately 300 ppm silver and about 7 ppm manganese). A kill testwas performed resulting in a 0.13 log reduction or a 25.6% kill rate ofthe B. subtilis after 30 seconds using the colloidal silver composition.The kill study was also performed using the colloidal silver-manganesealloy composition, which resulted in a 0.24 log reduction or 42.6% killafter 30 seconds.

Example 12 Residual Kill Properties of a Disinfectant Solution

The disinfectant solution of Example 1 is prepared as described. Thesolution is applied to a Petri dish containing bacterial colonies. Thebacterial colonies are killed. The disinfectant solution is allowed toremain in the Petri dish until the disinfectant solution appears to bevisibly gone, i.e. after solvent evaporation. New active bacterialcolonies are transplanted onto the Petri dish without adding additionaldisinfectant solution. Within a period of 24 hours, the transplantedcolonies are likewise killed.

Example 13 Residual Kill Properties of a Disinfectant Solution

The same as Example 12 except that the disinfectant solution is not madeusing a two-part system, but rather using direct admixing of theingredients.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatvarious modifications, changes, omissions, and substitutions can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. It is thereforeintended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A method of disinfecting and providing residual kill at a surface,comprising: contacting said surface with a disinfectant solution, saiddisinfectant solution comprising from 0.0005 ppm to 50,000 ppm by weightof a transition metal or alloy, an alcohol, a peroxygen compound, andwater, wherein, after drying, residual components of the disinfectantsolution are allowed to remain on the surface causing residual kill ofbacterial, viral, or fungal organisms that subsequently contact thesurface.
 2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the alcohol is present inthe disinfectant solution at from about 0.005 wt % to 99.99 wt %.
 3. Amethod as in claim 1, wherein the alcohol is present in the disinfectantsolution at from 0.1 wt % to 50 wt %.
 4. A method as in claim 1, whereinthe alcohol is a C₁-C₂₄ alcohol.
 5. A method as in claim 1, wherein thealcohol is a polyhydric alcohol.
 6. A method as in claim 1, wherein thetransition metal or alloy thereof is selected from the group consistingof ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, palladium, platinum, copper,gold, silver, manganese, zinc, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. 7.A method as in claim 1, wherein the transition metal or alloy thereof isa colloidal transition metal or alloy thereof.
 8. A method as in claim7, wherein the colloidal transition metal or alloy thereof has anaverage particle size of from 0.030 μm to 0.5 μm.
 9. A method as inclaim 1, wherein the transition metal or alloy thereof is an ionictransition metal.
 10. A method as in claim 1, wherein the transitionmetal or alloy thereof is present in the disinfectant solution at from15 ppm to 1,500 ppm by weight.
 11. A method as in claim 1, wherein theperoxygen includes a peracid selected from the group consisting ofperoxyformic acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid, peroxypropanoicacid, perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid, peroxypentanoic acid,peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid, peroxycitric, peroxybenzoicacid, and mixtures thereof.
 12. A method as in claim 1, wherein theperoxygen is present in the disinfectant solution at from 0.1 wt % to 10wt %.
 13. A method as in claim 1, wherein the peroxygen is a peroxide.14. A method as in claim 1, wherein the disinfectant solution issubstantially free of aldehydes, chlorine and bromine-containingcompositions, iodophore-containing compositions, phenolic-containingcompositions, and quaternary ammonium-containing compositions.
 15. Amethod as in claim 1, wherein the disinfectant solution is preparedusing a two-part system.
 16. A method as in claim 1, wherein thedisinfectant solution is prepared by direct admixing of individualingredients.